The Island of Hydra

The island where much of the action takes place represents experiences of isolation, in that it is separated from the "mainland" - or, in metaphoric terms, from socio-cultural norms and rules. This makes it an appropriate metaphoric setting for the events on which the narrative is built - lies, theft, and murder. On another symbolic level, and because so many of its summer inhabitants (the sort of people who are the focus of the book's narrative and thematic attention) are wealthy, the island also represents how the wealthy are separate from others, in ways that include morality and ability to indulge their every desire with impunity.

The House on Hydra (Belle Air)

Jimmie's large and opulent summer home on Hydra, which he named Belle Air (Beautiful Air), represents power and wealth, considerations of both being an important thematic foundation for the narrative. For...